U.N. chief: Ukraine war ‘a stain on our collective conscience’ and urges unconditional ceasefire

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, describing the conflict as “a stain on our collective conscience”.

Speaking to the United Nations Security Council to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, António Guterres urged member states to fully fund humanitarian assistance and stressed that any settlement must uphold the country’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

Guterres warned that ongoing fighting poses direct risks to the safe operation of Ukraine’s nuclear sites, describing the situation as an “unconscionable game of nuclear roulette” that must cease immediately.

Referring to United Nations monitoring, he said more than 15,000 civilians have been killed and more than 41,000 injured since the start of the invasion, including approximately 3,200 children. Millions have fled their homes, while over one-third of displaced children, an estimated 2.2 million, still require humanitarian support.

Condemning attacks on civilians and infrastructure, Guterres stressed, “International humanitarian law is unequivocal: attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are strictly prohibited. I condemn all such attacks, no matter where they occur.”

He also welcomed ongoing prisoner exchanges and urged that detainees be treated humanely and released in accordance with international law, including the return of Ukrainian children transferred to Russia or occupied areas.

While commending the efforts of the United States and other nations to promote peace, Guterres emphasised that concrete measures are needed to de-escalate the conflict and create space for diplomacy.

“Enough with the death. Enough with the destruction. Enough with the broken lives and shattered futures,” he said.

“It is time for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire. This is the first step towards a just peace that saves lives and ends the endless suffering,” he added.

His remarks were read on his behalf by Rosemary DiCarlo, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Peacebuilding.

As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, the humanitarian and security challenges remain acute. 

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Civilians continue to face devastating consequences, while UN officials and global leaders persist in calling for a full, unconditional ceasefire and sustained humanitarian assistance. 

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